Opinion
Debate chair Steve Brine, parliamentary under-secretary of state for health and social care, began the debate by putting ABI into context. “While prevalence estimates for ABI are quite hard to make, the number living with it is thought to be over 500,000 and could be as high as one million people. The total cost of brain [...]
Amanda Ferguson, 45, was suspected of taking drugs in the emergency room. Jesse North, meanwhile, was initially diagnosed with vertigo but, like Amanda, was also suffering with an early onset brainstem stroke. He was 25. With 20-year-old model Kati, a clinical assessment pointed to either drugs or epilepsy. In the 20 years since, she has [...]
The ability to produce an accurate assessment of the level of someone’s neurobehavioural disability (NBD) is critical in determining the appropriate treatment pathway. It sets expectations and goals for the individual in question and allows care providers (along with their funders) to put the appropriate resources in place for treatment and support. It means families [...]
Matthew Reeve (second right) with siblings Will and Alexandra at a 2009 fundraiser with Meryl Streep and singer Colbie Caillat (right) This December marks 40 years since Christopher Reeve first charmed the world as a shy reporter turned man of steel. For many, his was the ultimate portrayal of Superman – outshining [...]
Neurological rehabilitation’s ability to improve an individual’s quality of life depends on a wide range of skills and expertise. Following a catastrophic injury or the onset of neurological disease, professionals from numerous disciplines join forces with the individual and their loved ones on the recovery journey. However, they must also work together in improving the [...]
The public funding and commissioning of rehabilitation services on an individual basis varies hugely across the country. In areas where public authorities are very receptive to such requests, we see efficient and effective provision of specialised services, often built around good collaboration between various bodies and tailored to an individual’s need. Yet in other parts of the [...]
Constructing brighter futures Building homes for people with complex needs requires consideration at every juncture to ensure that the environment is suitable for each stage of an individual’s care. This goes for people with degenerative conditions such as dementia and Huntington’s Disease, as well as those suffering a rapid decline in health, [...]
Neuro-rehab has an image problem. It is evident in the highest quarters of the NHS, at Westminster and on hospital wards. The fact is, as a healthcare field, there is a widespread lack of awareness about exactly who we are and what we do. This identity crisis manifests itself in many ways. Our field is [...]
In April 2013, in the midst of widespread changes in the NHS, NHS England announced a large number of national clinical director (NCD) posts, including the appointment of Dr Etherington as NCD for rehabilitation and recovering in the community. Etherington, who currently serves as director of defence rehabilitation and a consultant in rheumatology and rehabilitation medicine at [...]
